Chapter 40: Hunting (1)

The first battle of the alliance ended in total victory.

They killed or captured everyone, and the alliance’s casualties were almost zero. Even that few were mostly Briol soldiers, who had charged the frontline.

“All thanks to my magic.”

Maryrose was seated on a plush sofa, drafting the letter she would send to the Empire about the battle.

“And the prince of Briol also had his moment.”

She hummed as she wrote. The third prince of Briol had plunged alone into the enemy’s heart and shattered their lines.

It was too magnificent a sight to witness alone.

Then, as if playing hide‑and‑seek, the Briol knights desperately pursued him, and ultimately dismantled the enemy army that he had ripped apart.

Maryrose saw it all. That was why she could say with certainty.

“That prince is not a normal human.”

She might not know much about war, but as a mage she had studied how greatly an individual can influence the physical world.

Without exaggeration, that prince alone altered the course of the war. If someone else had led, the victory would have come nevertheless, but with far greater loss of life.

“Yes. He’s no ordinary human.”

A familiar voice sounded suddenly. Maryrose turned, startled.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to say hello.”

“I didn’t invite you.”

“That’s why I came in this way.”

Hernand was leaning against the window, gazing outside. Maryrose tossed her pen at him.

Then the books on the shelf levitated defensively—as if alive—to block it. The pen tip lodged into a leather-bound cover.

“My book!”

“And why are you here?”

“Ugh…”

The pen slid free and returned to Maryrose’s hand by itself.

“What do you want?”

“Just came by to say hi.”

“I have nothing to say to you.”

Hernand walked over and sat across from her.

“It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you.”

“Yes, it’s been a while. But I’m not glad to see you.”

“How is life as Archmage?”

“Fine.”

Maryrose tapped the arm of the sofa she was seated on.

On the intricately carved eagle’s eye, gem inlays glinted.

“I live in comfort.”

“And not bored?”

“Not at all. The Tower is far more boring—and tiring. You didn’t notice, because you were too busy wandering around.”

“You?”

“What should I call you?”

“Master?”

Maryrose let out a sarcastic chuckle.

“Someone who fled as soon as they became Archmage?”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Do you know how difficult it was in the Tower after you disappeared? Without your support, everyone changed attitude. Ugh…”

“A mage must grow on their own.”

“What nonsense is that?”

“That’s why you found another mentor.”

“That was my achievement. Your irresponsibility and my survival have nothing to do with each other.”

“Very logical.”

Hernand glanced at the letter Maryrose was writing—it was about the alliance battle, addressed to an imperial court mage.

“May I read it?”

“You already did. It says nothing special. Do you think I’m a spy or something?”

Hernand took the page and reviewed it.

It was a long account of her and Yuri’s feats, but held little real information about the battle.

After a few lines, he put it aside. Maryrose sank into the sofa and lifted her chin.

“So… you’re after the third prince now, not the king?”

“Yes.”

“Is his destiny that interesting?”

“Very.”

“How much?”

“Who knows…”

She had never told anyone that Yuri Briol was fated to defy the heavens.

Hernand remembered and smiled.

“I want to observe him. That’s why I follow him.”

“Well, I also find myself watching him without realizing.”

“Because of his face?”

“He has his charming moments, too.”

Maryrose squinted with a smile.

“If I could leave Valshard, I would follow him.”

The magical circle protecting Valshard could only be maintained by the Archmage’s mana.

Though she could sometimes sneak out, in times of war she had to stay at her post.

“I see.”

“Worried he’ll seduce you?”

“Hmm…”

Hernand shook his head.

“Even you wouldn’t have an easy time. That guy…”

He recalled Yuri saying he would not fall in love with anyone. His eyes were like those of a lone traveler walking down an avenue of lovers in bloom.

Hernand knew that look well. Solitary men recognize one another.

“I was like him in my youth…”

“What did you say?”

“Never mind.”

Hernand watched her intently.

“And your research? Going well?”

She stared back as if restraining a retort.

“Was that a bad question?”

“It’s not that. You’re shameless.”

Every mage trains to become Archmage. And Maryrose had inherited the mystical path once pursued by her mentor.

“Tatago always believed you would complete that magic someday.”

“Of course. I will. Even if only partially.”

After Hernand disappeared, Maryrose took mage Tatago as her new mentor.

Tatago was respected by all mages. And the magic he sought was the aspiration of anyone practicing the art.

The Absolute Analysis Formula. But it was an almost unreachable ideal. Perhaps a goal humans should never attain.

Maryrose, instead of pursuing that dream, studied a variant based on her own results.

“With the Transcendental Analysis Formula I’m making progress.”

It was a magic enabling connection of meaning and understanding of any language. Beneath Valshard, countless books in ancient tongues remained unread. If she completed it, she could study that knowledge and revive ancient magics.

“It’s still underdeveloped. But I’ve already confirmed how advanced the old kingdom’s magic was. For now, that’s it. I’m continuing.”

“Tell me more later.”

“Why should I?”

“Then I too will tell you something.”

“What?”

“Why I follow Yuri.”

“Uh-huh…”

“And about his destiny.”

“Isn’t that revealing the secrets of fate?”

“I can dodge it.”

“Sure, sure. Sounds interesting.”

Hernand stood up.

“After the war, I’ll come back to visit.”

“Bring the prince too.”

“I will.”

Just as he turned to leave, he stopped and looked back at Maryrose.

“Maryrose.”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry about back then. I left on my own.”

She opened her eyes, surprised.

“Well, you know how to apologize, too.”

“Time has passed.”

“That the arrogant Hernand ended up like this… maybe fate really is scary.”

Hernand let out a soft laugh. She was right. Ever since the Vision of Fate awakened, he understood how insignificant humans were. Perhaps that’s why he followed Yuri.

“I hope you haven’t forgotten the Tower’s rules.”

“Of course not.”

Hernand rose.

“We’ll meet.”

With that, he vanished as suddenly as he had appeared. Maryrose tried to track him, but no trace remained.

Gathering the mana she had spread, she murmured:

“Unbelievable…”

Hernand was a genius.

That was undeniable. Otherwise, he would never have reached Archmage at such a young age.

The Tower’s scholars worried about his premature achievements. If an Archmage harbored hidden intentions, the world could fall into chaos.

Hence the Tower’s rules were emphasized.

“The Archmage does not intervene in human history.”

The magic Hernand showed publicly was only a fraction of his true power. What he could do far exceeded any ordinary person’s imagination.

But that power must not be used.

“Yet, if you think about it…”

What would happen if the life of the third prince he followed were in danger?

Saving the life of royalty would clearly influence history—and be a rule violation.

“I’m curious.”

***

“Where is Hernand?”

“He said he had something to do, but then disappeared.”

“Maybe he’s constipated?”

The alliance marched eastward, having left Valshard behind. They were now deep in orc territory.

It wasn’t strange to think they could be ambushed at any moment. The entire army remained on high alert.

Suddenly, a messenger from the Empire rode up to Yuri on horseback.

“Greetings, Prince!”

“What is it?”

“The Imperial Prince has summoned you. He says there’s something he wishes to discuss with you.”

“Really?”

The alliance advanced with the Empire at its center, while Briol led the front.

“I’ll go. Raymond, I leave everything in your hands.”

“Yes, sir.”

Yuri headed to the imperial camp with the messenger.

Ragnar sat atop a massive warhorse, surrounded by his escort. All were clad in black armor, exuding intense pressure.

As soon as Yuri appeared, all eyes turned to him.

“You’re here.”

“Yes.”

Yuri bowed.

“Come closer.”

Ragnar ordered his escort to step back. Yuri approached him.

“There was an attack at the rear.”

“Is that so?”

“We managed to repel it, but everyone is tense. If this keeps up, our forces will be worn down.”

“I understand.”

“That’s why I plan to form a separate unit…”

Ragnar wanted to create a special unit to patrol the perimeter without breaking the main allied formation.

“Like a reserve squad?”

“Exactly. The lack of coordination is causing chaos in our responses.”

“Then… is that why you called me?”

Ragnar smiled and placed a hand on Yuri’s shoulder.

“What do you think?”

Clearly, he wanted Yuri to take charge.

“Understood.”

Yuri nodded. Gaining Ragnar’s favor wouldn’t hurt. To kill Okua and lead the alliance to victory, he needed Ragnar’s trust.

Then, one of the aides beside him spoke up.

“Your Highness, doing it this way may cause complaints about fairness.”

“Really?”

“There’s a country that wants to join. At the very least, you should hold discussions…”

“Did I say I was giving them permission?”

“Your Highness…”

“What a hassle. This is why I didn’t want to come to this stupid alliance. When these pretentious types gather, this always happens.”

Ragnar shrugged toward Yuri.

He liked Yuri a lot. The charge he had led in the previous battle was exactly the kind of action he appreciated.

While stroking his horse’s mane, Ragnar looked thoughtful.

“What should I do…?”

“How about letting the volunteers compete against each other?”

“You think this is a game? That would only delay our march. Besides, you can’t select people that way. They have to understand that war isn’t just sword duels.”

“Then, what do you suggest?”

“Hmm…”

Ragnar gave a sly smile.

“I’ve got it. Since I’m forming a new unit, have each nation that wants to join send their knights. No more than thirty per country.”

As soon as he said this, the Imperial messenger relayed Ragnar’s orders to the entire alliance. It became a matter of pride. All nations volunteered immediately.

With the arrival of the knights, the imperial formation fell into chaos.

Gathering them all, Ragnar announced.

“You have until sunset. Scout the surroundings, find orcs, and bring me their right ears. I’ll give the opportunity to the country that brings the most.”

Yuri thought it was a fairly reasonable measure.

To fulfill this mission, one needed multiple skills—tracking orc footprints, coordinating a unit, and real combat power.

One strong knight wasn’t enough.

“Alright, begin.”

Ragnar gave the order. But none of the squads moved immediately. Most stayed in place, discussing strategies.

Yuri looked at his cavalry. Except for Raymond, who stayed behind as his replacement, he had brought Briol’s best knights.

What would they think?

“Prince, what should we do?”

“We’ll follow you, Your Highness.”

“Don’t worry about our opinions.”

“We don’t need to discuss. Just give the order.”

“……”

Not very helpful with ideas, but at least they’d follow orders completely.

“Alright.”

Yuri took the reins.

“Let’s go!”

And galloped off immediately. Without a single complaint, his cavalry followed. Thus, Briol was the first to move.

The knights from other nations watched Briol disappear into the distance, and soon began to move one by one.

Seeing the scene, Ragnar let out a laugh.

“That kid Yuri… does he know what he’s doing?”

The aide shook his head.

“Tracking and exterminating is very different from swinging a sword. The third prince of Briol lacks experience. They likely won’t get good results.”

“You think so?”

Ragnar spurred his horse as he kept laughing.

“If he manages to prove himself this time too, I think I’ll genuinely start liking him.”

“Seems you already do, Your Highness.”

“Not yet.”

Then, as if remembering something, he added:

“In an hour, send our knights too. The Empire can’t just sit back and watch.”